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SB 6021

Reducing fees and expenses for services for people confined to correctional facilities.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Drew Hansen and 5 co-sponsors

Washington bill SB 6021 eliminates or reduces fees charged to incarcerated people for essential services, aiming to reduce financial hardship and barriers to reentry and family contact.

Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:00 AM.
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Bill Summary · SB 6021

Legislative bill overview

SB 6021 aims to reduce or eliminate fees and charges that incarcerated individuals must pay for basic services and necessities while confined in Washington correctional facilities. The bill addresses costs for items like phone calls, commissary purchases, medical services, and other essential services that currently burden incarcerated people and their families.

Why is this important

Incarceration fees create significant financial hardship for people with limited income and their families, who often struggle to afford basic communication and hygiene items. Reducing these costs could decrease barriers to rehabilitation, family connections, and reentry success while potentially lowering overall costs to the state if fewer people return to incarceration.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and funding sources: Correctional facilities may currently rely on fee revenue to offset operational costs; the bill would need to identify alternative funding or accept reduced revenue
  • Operational sustainability: Questions about whether facilities can maintain current service levels without fee-based revenue streams
  • Scope of services covered: Disagreement may exist over which services should be free versus which individuals should bear some costs, particularly for phone calls or premium commissary items

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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